The BabySafe campaign offers parents access to free child safety seminars – and from October 2010 to March 2011, the Red Cross will be hosting ten regional events across the UK. Parents, grandparents and carers will have an opportunity to learn emergency first aid skills. The topics covered will include choking, resuscitation and meningitis.

The Babysafe campaign was developed specifically to help new and expectant parents. New research carried out by Tesco Baby & Toddler Club reveals that two out of five parents has had to give emergency first aid to a youngster in their care – but worryingly, over 40 per cent of parents have never done any first aid training.

Life-saving skills

Since the national launch in 2007, more than 5,000 parents and carers have been trained at BabySafe seminars across the UK. With the Red Cross on board, this year’s campaign aims to train at least another 3,500.

Jenna Bannerman, Tesco Baby & Toddler Club manager, said: “No parent likes to think of anything bad happening to their child but, unfortunately, accidents around the home are common. It’s so important to know how to react if your baby is hurt or suddenly becomes sick.

First aid confidence

Mum Jane Harvey (35) from Lancashire, knows only too well how valuable first aid skills can be. Her daughter Grace had a heart-stopping scare as a baby when she started choking on a tiny metal key ring, but luckily Jane had recently attended a baby first aid course and knew exactly what to do.

She said: “I’m so grateful I took that course and I’d urge all parents to take any opportunity to learn first aid. We all think an emergency like that will never happen to us, but I know it could – so make sure you’re prepared.”

Joe Mulligan, head of first aid for the British Red Cross, added: “This brilliant campaign will teach parents and carers the skills that could potentially save a child’s life in an emergency by giving them the confidence to know what to do.”